New Non-Profit, Young & Empowered Women, Holds Its First Annual Leadership EM[POWER] Conference
Young & Empowered Women executive committee and members host its first annual conference.
After launching last fall during the pandemic due to the need to foster greater community and education for ambitious, early-career female professionals, Young & Empowered Women (Y&E), brings a slate of celebrated Valley female leaders and more to their cohorts for the EM[POWER] leadership retreat.
Phoenix, AZ June 25-26, 2021 – Y&E gathered to celebrate three major milestones achieved over the past year: The reveal of the third cohort members; Induction of the Board of Directors; The founding of the organization as an official non-profit with a 501(c)3 status.
In addition, the EM[POWER] conference provided women the first opportunity to gather as a full organization with its three cohorts, executive committee, and board of directors. The two-day event featured a variety of speakers and workshops geared toward external professional development and internal personal development. Featured keynote speakers also included: Apple Gallegos (Eight Moons Collective), Kristin Gilger and Julia Wallace (ASU Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication), Lindsay Capozza (DFG Advisors), Sandy Martinez (ASU College of Health Solutions Deans Office), Monica Villalobos (Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce), and Elora Diaz (Y&E Board of Director).
Workshops allowed the women to explore cyclical living, female leadership, and growing an early stage career. Women also had the opportunity to learn more about personal finance, the gender gap in Arizona, while putting into practice documenting their own personal brand, their ‘why’, and future goals. In accountability groups of four, women were able to takeaway both next steps and community support as they work to translate skills learned into daily practice.
The EM[POWER] leadership retreat provided a space to learn more about the systemic challenges that contribute to the gender pay gap. After learning from Monica Villalobos, President & CEO at Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce that Arizona is the fourth worst state for women’s equality overall, the Y&E members saw this as an opportunity and purpose to fight for our mission, raise awareness towards the inequities that exist for women and provide the tools and skills to overcome these obstacles. As Autumn Stewart, a new cohort member of Y&E said in response to this session, “It’s time to get to work!”
“This conference was like a breath of fresh air. It is rare to have a safe space where women do not feel the need to compete with one another and simply focus on lifting themselves and lifting each other,” said Lorena Armenta, cohort member of Y&E.
“I didn’t know how much I needed all of this information and time to build with such a strong group of women. It was the perfect way to highlight each other to gain validating and valuable skills,” said Kim Hahn, executive committee member of Y&E
“The EM[POWER] conference offered everything I wish I had been exposed to when I was in college. It was extremely informative and profoundly inspirational, not only because of the outstanding guest speakers but also because of the caliber of women who participated and are members of Y&E. The Women of Y&E are strong and determined, and I am eager to see the power moves they will make and all they will contribute to this great group,” said Anna Ortiz, Board of Director member.
About Y&E
Our mission is to raise awareness and educate others on women's rights, empowerment and equity through career development sessions, mentorship, networking and service opportunities.
Young & Empowered Women was created in 2020 in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when networking and career coaching would need to be redefined. In the past year, our members have been able to expand their networks, be introduced to powerhouse female leaders and receive personalized skill development and coaching.
For Additional Information:
Web: https://www.yewomensassociation.com/
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/young-empowered-women-s-association/
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